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330 “If it failed now, it would be too awful,” he said.

“Don’t say that word; don’t even think it!” she cried.

“You mustn’t care so much,” he begged her.

“Don’t you care?”

“Of course, more than you know. But I am prepared for failure, if it comes.”

“I can’t be prepared for it. It cannot happen!” she sobbed.

He stood looking down at her helplessly.

“What can I do for you? What is it you want?” he demanded gently.

“I want to be rocked,” she sobbed.

“To be—”

She pushed him into a big chair, and climbed into his arms.

“Rocked,” she finished.

He held her a minute closely, then he rose and set her down.

“I can’t do it,” he began. “I have something to tell you that must be said—”

“Not to-night, Jarvis, I’m too tired.”

“Yes, to-night, before another hour passes. Sit down there, please.”

She obeyed, curiously.